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TELL US WHO

We want to know who you are? Large Manchester is conducting our

2010 readership survey and we need your help... Log onto:

www.largemanchester.com

YOU ARE...& WIN A ‘large’ day out in

Manchester...

Editor: Kelly Byrne Contributors: Natalie Shaw, Manchester Fashion Network, Laura Brown, Christine Felton, Kate Dutton. Front cover image copyright to Paul McCaul© - www.paulmccaul.co.ukSnail mail: Large Manchester, 60 Port Street, Manchester M1 2EQWebsite: www.largemanchester.comEmails: editor@largemanchester.com, advertising@largemanchester.com Main Office: 0161 235 7270Advertising: Contact Claire or Francesca on 0161 235 7270Editor: Contact Kelly on 0161 235 7278DISCLAIMER:© 2010. Large Manchester is published by Large Publishing Ltd. Large Manchester retains copyright. All rights recognised. We cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited text, photographs or illustrations. Views expressed by individual contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher.

Issue 11 March 2010

large.Manchester

Hello readers

Welcome to the March issue of Large Manchester. This month we see Manchester during the Irish Festival in the city, and it’s a great excuse to get your mates together, don your best leprechaun inspired outfit and have a few pints of the black stuff! It’s just about now that the weather gets a bit milder and the city’s outdoor events programs return so get outdoors and enjoy what Manchester has to offer this month.

There’s still time for you to fill in our readership survey online. We really want to know more about our readers and in return for telling us about yourself, you can win a Large day out in Manchester including gig tickets, a hair cut at Nicky Clarke, cocktails at Hard Rock Cafe and a sky diving experience at Air Kixs. All you need to do is visit www.largemanchester.com and fill the survey in online.

Our pub quiz is back for yet another month so don’t miss the next one on 24th March at The English Lounge – the fun kicks off at 6.30pm. Email: socials@largemanchester.com to reserve your place.

Sending Large Love

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One of the UK’s most prestigious awards has been awarded to FutureEverything.FutureEverything is a very worthy successor to previous winners including Manchester International Festival, Tate, and The National Football Museum.FutureEverything is a festival of art, music and ideas bringing together artists, technologists and future-thinkers to share, innovate and bring the future into the present. It celebrates outstanding creative projects in any medium which offer a new and unique way to experience or see the world and help to bring the future into the present.www.futureeverything.org

FutureEver ything Wins Lever Prize

Manchester Loves Les MisérablesLes Misérables is coming back to Manchester – to The Lowry. It’s the first time producer Cameron Mackintosh has had a show at The Lowry and it seems Manchester audiences can’t get enough.Broadway and West End star John Owen-Jones stars as Jean Valjean; Earl Carpenter, known from The Phantom and The Witches of Eastwick stars as Javert. They are joined by Gareth Gates playing Marius.Now in its 25th year, the show has been seen by over 56 million people worldwide in 42 countries and in 21 languages. Les Misérables is undisputedly one of the most popular musicals ever written, with new productions continually opening around the globe, including this one in Manchester.

From 10th-21st August 2010 Tickets priced from £22.50. Visit www.thelowry.com or call the Box Office on 0843 208 6005.

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.March on Stage @ Hard Rock Cafe

The month of March will be rockin’ as Hard Rock hosts March on Stage presents STREET2 SANCTUARY.

Throughout March, Hard Rock Cafes in North America and Europe will present live concerts with performances by today’s hottest musicians and bands and on 18th March, Hard Rock Cafe Manchester will host Starsailor’s James Walsh and Arno Carstens.

The proceeds from the evening will be going to The Bombay Teen Challenge - an organisation

Debenhams has helped scientists at the University of Manchester get a step closer to beating breast cancer by making a massive £42,525 contribution to their research project.Dr Gilmore from the University of Manchester said “We are extremely grateful for this generous contribution and would like to thank Debenhams for

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a portion of the proceeds will benefit bombay teen challenge,

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committed to improving conditions for women and children involved in prostitution and poor communities in Mumbai, India.It all kicks off at 7.30pm and tickets are £10 and available from:www.ticketweb.co.uk

helping Breast Cancer Campaign continue funding our research. Survival rates have improved significantly over the last 30 years, yet around 12,000 women and 90 men will still die from breast cancer every year in the UK. It’s vitally important therefore that we continue to research all areas of breast cancer in order to one day find a cure for this disease.”

Debenhams helps out the University of Manchester...

The Large Pub quiz is growing monthly with more and more of Manchester’s great and good grouping their brain power to try and win the prestigious title. The last two months we’ve seen a full house with over 70 people in attendance so if you want in on the action then you need to reserve your table quick!

The next quiz is on Wednesday 24th March and it’s £4 entry per person which gets you a glass of wine on arrival and pie and peas in the break. Join us from 6.00pm if you want to take advantage of the great offers on food and drink

from The English Lounge. Doors for the quiz open at 6.30pm and the fun and games start at 7.15pm hosted by legendary quiz master Alex. Come along with friends, work colleagues or even on your own and we can group you up with a team.

You need to be in it to win it and there are great prizes on offer from The Printworks and The English Lounge. Don’t miss out on the most popular pub quiz in town and what better way to brighten up a boring Wednesday night? To reserve your table email:socials@largemanchester.com

Calling at Recruitment Agencies.....!!!If you work in recruitment and think you and your colleagues have what it takes to win ‘Battle of the Recruitment Agencies’ then we are holding a special pub quiz just for you. Join us on Thursday 18th March. Email socials@largemanchester.com for more details.

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Warehouse Project Easter Bonaza

The Warehouse Project re-opens its under-the-arches doors for one weekend only - aside from the regular September-December run this Easter. When the doors swing open later in the year in September, WHP will be celebrating five years at the top of the clubbing hierarchy, bringing names such as David Guetta, Friendly Fires and Simian Mobile Disco to Manchester in recent years.The Easter Program takes place from 1st to 4th April with a cracking line-up each night. Headliners include 2manydjs, Roni Size and Carl Cox making his WHP debut.www.thewarehouseproject.com

Live in the Northern Quarter? We need you!If you live in the Northern Quarter and care about its future then you need to join the NQ Residents Association. The group is relatively new and meets regularly to discuss the development of the area. It’s all about promoting positive involvement in the area, and taking the necessary measures to protect the unique and special nature of the community.There are a variety of different projects to get involved in including organising markets in the Northern Quarter, helping out with gardening and the group also is concerned with notifying residents of up and coming licensing applications in the area.All residents are welcome to join in the meetings or even jut email to get involved in the projects. It’s your opportunity to shape the future of the area you live in.To get in involved please email: nquarter@hotmail.com

Warehouse project

Paul McCaulWe’re always on the lookout for creative characters from Manchester and one such subject has recently graced our presence. Paul McCaul is a photographer whose passion lies in both Manchester and its hidden and strikingly present history.He tries to capture the feel and pride of the city in his work. His photo ‘Manchester World’ is made up of 154 separate photos taken from a city rooftop and manipulated to form a globe.

In the middle is a cotton plant, paying tribute to Manchester’s revolutionary cotton trade.The image ‘Piccadilly Flower’ showcases Piccadilly Gardens in a more favourable light, as a fresh, new flower rising to the morning sky with a Manchester bee flying around it. 55 separate photos were used to create the image.His work is truly breathtaking and a must-see for lovers of Manchester. Visit www.paulmccaul.co.uk for more of Paul’s work.

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In these long winter months we could all do with a holiday, but don’t start drowning your sorrows yet! You can experience a slice of the Med and get that much- needed holiday feeling right here in Manchester.Ego restaurants have been bringing that holiday feeling to the North West for 10 years now and the newest addition to the family is the Princess St restaurant that opened in November 2009. The group operates by the Mediterranean concept; that it’s important to take the time to relax

and enjoy a meal. Ego’s Monday offer - two courses and a bottle of house wine (each) for just £17.50 is not to be sniffed at. So instead of popping that frozen pizza in the oven, grab a few mates and head down to Ego for good wine and tasty food that’ll leave you with change for your morning-after coffee!

Ego 9-21 Princess StreetManchesterM2 4DNwww.egorestaurants.co.uk

Ego

Hard Rock Cafe has just expanded its range of legendary burgers, adding in five new delectable 10 oz specialities. If you manage to get yourself along to Hard Rock to try one before the end of February and also order a dessert, then you’ll automatically be entered for the chance to win a fantastic Gibson Reverse Flying V electric guitar – the chosen guitar brand of many legendary rock stars such as Jimi Hendrix, Marc Bolan and Lenny Kravitz.Large nipped along to try them out and if you’re into your burgers then these bad-boys are a force

to be reckoned with. Try the Local Legendary (£12.75) which is adapted to the local culinary tastes of each individual Cafe so Manchester’s local legendary burger is topped with melted crumbly Lancashire cheese and topped with sliced black pudding.The Mushroom and Swiss Burger (£12.75) is another top tip on the menu – smothered with sautéed mushrooms and topped with Swiss cheese – you certainly leave with a full belly and a smile after soaking up the atmosphere of the Hard Rock Cafe!

Legendary Burgers down at Hard Rock Cafe

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If your mum lives in Manchester then the city is your oyster! There’s just so much to do in this fabulous city but a here are a few of our top tips that won’t break the bank!

This year The Triangle is treating all mums to a bit of pampering. On Mother’s Day from 11-4pm, it’s all about pure indulgence and for free! There are free beauty treatments including manicures, hand massages, eyebrow shaping and of course cupcakes and champagne. Also top Manchester Life Coaches Jude and Annie, from THE HAPPY MUM bring their life changing service to the Triangle for one weekend only. They will be offering FREE mini personal coaching sessions to all mums, giving tips to help mums prioritise different areas, encourage focus, happiness and control in busy lives.So if you want to treat mum to a weekend of pampering but want to keep your wallet happy too, head down to Triangle Shopping Centre on Sunday 14 March.

Here Come the BoysTake That – two words sure to set pulses racing and send most females into a frenzy, and you and your mum could be catching a little of the hysteria! If your mum loves Take That then take her along to see Back for Good – the Take That musical.Chartering the bands rise to fame back in the Take That and Party days, go on a journey to see five guys from the North West create a music phenomenon. Back For Good is the ultimate celebration of Take That. With their dance routines, costume changes, sensational performances and backed by a live band, adoring fans will be singing and dancing their hearts out.The show is on a little before Mother’s Day on Saturday 6th March, but still makes a perfect early gift.Palace Theatre Manchester, palaceandoperahouse.org.uk

Free pampering at The Triangle

Sweet treats at the RadissonWhat could be more quintessentially British than Afternoon Tea in one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings? The stunning 5* Radisson Edwardian is offering an exclusive Afternoon Tea menu especially for Mother’s Day.

The Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea menu offers a selection of tempting cakes including choux swans, white chocolate fudge cake and orange and crème pattisier tart. Fresh homemade Apple & Walnut scones are also served with clotted cream and preserves – is your mouth watering yet?Enjoy a selection of savouries including a chicken Caesar wrap and bloomers with smoked salmon & cream cheese and Mrs Appleby’s Cheshire cheese & homemade piccalilli. A selection of vegetarian sandwiches are available.Choose from a range of teas or a pot of fresh roasted coffee to accompany your Afternoon Tea. To splash out a little more, add sparkling wine into the mix.It’ll set you back £14.99 per person or an extra £4.50 if you want Sparkling wine.

Radisson Edwardian HotelPeter Street, M2 5GP0161 835 9929

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Manchester 235 Casino has launched its Experience Package just in time for Mother’s Day. For £25 per person, you and your mum get two mouth-watering cocktails followed by a delicious two-course meal in the Fusion Bistro.Choices on the menu include Coq Au Vin with new potatoes and vegetables,The 235 Cheeseburger and square cut chips, Grilled salmon steak, Caesar salad – and so much more!Having satisfied your appetites you will move onto the gaming floor where you can play your free

Mmmmm, Cake!Cupcake Palace have created a range of delicious Mother’s Day Cupcakes. These cakes are to die for and sure to put a smile on mums face. You can choose from a choice of colours - baby pink, lilac, lemon, white and mint green and add your own personal message for mummy.They are £19 for a dozen cakes, they come beautifully wrapped and boxed and there’s even free delivery into the city centre.To order: cupcakepalace@hotmail.co.uk or call 07905 772 026

£10 bet on the exciting new game ‘Red or Black Roulette’ with tuition. Most importantly, if like me you don’t have a clue about gaming, the experienced croupiers will go through the ins and outs of the casino games so you can take to the tables a little wiser!To round the night off, Manchester 235 works closely with a local taxi firm so you can start and end your hassle-free night at the casino with no concerns about getting home. They will get you a taxi in ten minutes!

www.manchester235.com

Experience Manchester 235

Lawrence Purcell Photography

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if you’re living away from home and you can’t surprise mum with breakfast in bed but want to do more than say it with flowers here are a few quirky gift ideas sure to put a smile on mummy’s face.

The SlanketThis wonder invention is being championed by celebs including Fearne Cotton. It’s fairly unattractive to look at but feels almost heaven-sent!The Slanket is a gigantic soft, warm and lightweight fleece blanket with sleeves. The Slanket is designed to keep your entire body covered and cosy but the sleeves mean you can still use your hands to drink a cup of tea or munch through a box of chocolates sent on Mother’s Day by your less thoughtful sibling who didn’t think hard enough about what mum would really want.It comes in a variety of colours including nice pinks and purples for mums and costs £29.99lakeland.co.uk/the-slanket

Personal Chocolate FountainIf your mum is crazy for chocolate then why not treat her to a personal chocolate fountain? It can be used for plain, milk and white chocolate and your mum will love to use it as a party piece!Rather than buy a box of chocolates for a tenner, you might as well stretch the budget and give the gift that keeps on giving, time after time!www.very.co.uk - £19.00

The Sound Asleep PillowIf your mum enjoys nothing more than leisurely lie-ins, immersed in peace and quiet then why not treat her to a Sound Asleep pillow? This is a speaker built inside a pillow which connects to a music source such as an iPod, MP3 player or CD player, meaning she can listen to her own personal playlist, softly and smoothly in the background.It’s a hell of a lot more comfortable than headphones and is great for when mums just need some time out to recoup and relax!Priced at £15.00 from:soundasleeppillow.co.uk

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Large Outdoors are able to offer discounted first aid training for all readers.

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If it’s been a heavy week at work and you need a bit of escapism at the weekend then here are a few morsels for you to get your teeth at the weekend.

¡Viva! Spanish Film Festival6 - 27 March¡Viva! returns to Manchester’s Cornerhouse for contemporary visual arts and film - presenting the best of Spanish and Latin American cinema. As always, the festival brings a mix of the popular, independents, documentaries and shorts, featuring premières and previews of recent features plus a special spotlight. Special events include visits from leading filmmakers and actors and the parties that have helped put the event on the map.

Instead of nine days of intensive film watching, this year you get three weeks to discover the best in Hispanic cinema. There’s also an art exhibition from internationally acclaimed Mexican artist Carlos Amorales. Amorales’ exhibition presents his inter-media installations Psicofonias (2008) and Discarded Spider (2008).

Alongside the screenings, filmmakers, critics and academics are on hand for a series of informal talks and guest introductions, appealing to both the cineaste and to those with a broader interest in Spanish and Latin American film and culture.

www.vivafilmfestival.comCornerhouse, 70 Oxford Street, M1 5NH

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G Casino have been tirelessly searching to find the very best in local talent for the past month and it’s now time for the chosen few to take to the stage and show their audience what they’re made of!The winner will go on to win a £1,000 grand prize and a professional contract with Stagepalm Entertainments Agency! The regional heat will take place at G Casino in Manchester on 5th March.It’s now time to go along to show

your support to your favourite. Large Manchester will be taking a seat on the judging panel so make sure you say hello and let us know who you’re rooting for.It’s set to be a night to remember and you never know, you may just get a glimpse of a star of the future and be able to lay claim to seeing their first ever gig!

G Casino. Bury New Road, 2 Ramsgate Street, Manchester, M8 9SG

Manchester’s got talent at G Casino

Get Splattered!Based up in Oldham, about 20 minutes from the City Centre, lies the Manchester Paintball Arena. For the paintball fans amongst you, this is a must-visit place to get physical. It’s all indoors, which is great given the dire weather conditions we experience in the North West.If you want to know the finer details, they use Tippmann Custom 98 guns which apparently are hot property in the paintball world and release 15 balls per second! They also use the Proto Switch EL mask which has 250 degree vision and a 10 second lens change.The team work with you to decide how powerful you want the guns to be – less pain or more adrenalin?Onsite marshals are on hand to sort out any gun problems –it’s all about keeping it hassle free and fun!There are lots of different styles of

game the organisers can advise you on, all with one aim – to saturate as many members of the opposing team in paint as possible!(if you’re a bit scared, you can get kitted out in more body armour!)For a fun and action-packed activity to get your teeth into with your mates, this is a great afternoon of sorting the weak from the strong and having a good laugh whilst doing so.The best thing about the Manchester Paint Ball arena is that the price you pay is all-in, so starting from £27 you get entry, equipment hire, insurance and re-fills. There’s no minimum group size at the weekend.

Nile Mill, Fields New Road, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 8NH.0161 626 2642 or email: info@paintballarena.co.uk

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Experts in etiquette, Butlers in the Buff are searching for Manchester’s most gorgeous men with auditions taking place on Wednesday 31st March at Bluu in the Northern Quarter from 7pm. Scouts will be scouring the streets and bars looking for the best men in Manchester, and if you think you’re up for the job then you need to contact Butlers In The Buff right now or simply turn up on the night for your chance to start earning £25 per hour!If work is dull, boring and you want a change combined with being good looking, sociable and oozing charm then being a Butler could be the best decision of 2010 you make! For your chance to join the team pop along to Bluu in the Northern Quarter on 31st March to face the panel of judges, ready to give their honest opinion as to whether you could cut it, fear not there will be no ‘Simon Cowells’, having a charming personality along with a tone bod is all the skill you need.It seems that the ladies of the UK love a good Butler hence the

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organisation needing to do a huge recruitment drive to get more gorgeous waiters to meet demand. Potential candidates do need to be aware that Butlers are adorned only with a bow tie, collar, cuffs and a bottom-revealing apron but as one past Butler commented “At first you’re nervous but you soon forget your bum is on display and you get on with serving drinks and mingling.....it’s not sleazy, it’s just fun!” oo-er!All new recruits get full training so you’re not sent out on the job only armed with a toned torso! Rates of pay are excellent and it’s a really fun job so if you think you’re up to it or think your boyfriend or friend would be fantastic as a Butler then call the recruitment department on 0117 377 5693 or simply turn up at Bluu on 31st March from 7pm.

Are you brave enough to be a Butler In The Buff?

Recruiting across the nation!Are YOU good looking, charming, intelligent, with a great body? And looking to earn up to £25 an hour?

Come and audition between 6pm -9pm at:

17th March - Leeds. Tiger Tiger. The Light, 117 Albion Street.

30th March - Liverpool. Newz Bar. 18 Water Street.

31st March - Manchester. Bluu Bar. Smithfield Market

Buildings,Thomas Street, Northern Quarter.

The auditions are open to all and informal. Please pop in to apply or if you can’t make the dates apply online at:www.butlersinthebuff.co.uk/becomeabutler

For other cities on our UK recruitment tour, including; Exeter, London, Colchester, Brighton, Southampton,Cambridge, Birmingham, Nottingham, Glasgow andReading see our website www.butlersinthebuff.co.uk

For more info call: 0117 377 7924

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With the miserable weather clearing up and Easter, sunshine and all those lovely things on the way, now is a good time to check out some of the great gigs in Manchester. Paloma Faith, Editors, Groove Armada and Stereophonics are all playing, but if you want to get the best value of out your latest loan payment then check out these corkers.

Brendon Benson @ Academy 2 - March 4thAs well connected, talented and easy on the eye as Brendan Benson is, the US singer/songwriter hasn’t managed to gain the commercial success and recognition he deserves over here. Friend of Jack White and member of The Raconteurs alongside the White Stripes megastar, the re-launch of Brendan Benson’s solo career at Academy 2 on 4th March is definitely not one to be missed, whether you’re a member of his fanclub yet or not.Benson is an excellent songwriter, as proven by his previous albums and indeed his work with The Raconteurs, and the inimitable Jack White himself has even said

in the past “I envy his melodies”. After releasing two albums with The Raconteurs ‘supergroup’, who enjoyed great success with single ‘Steady As She Goes’, Benson has stepped out of White’s shadow and is starting out on his own again. A huge fan of 70s band Wings, Benson produces heart-warming power pop with his own unique twist, meaning you won’t leave his Manchester gig without humming an infectious tune or two.Tickets: manchesteracademy.net

Lily Allen & Dizzee Rascal @ MEN Arena - March 5thDue to uncertainty over Lily Allen quitting music in favour of a life in the country; you’d best seize the chance to see her alongside Dizzee Rascal at the MEN Arena on March 5th whilst you still can. After working together well in the past – notably, on Dizzee’s track ‘Wanna Be’ on his 2007 album ‘Maths + English’ – and showering praise upon each other at every opportunity, the pair have teamed up to put on two co-headline shows in London and Manchester, in what Dizzee claims will be

of the Massive Attack classic ‘Teardrop’ from his first album ‘Hand Built By Robots’, but his latest tour shows that he has much more to offer.Described as the ‘British Jack Johnson’ and known for his unique finger-picking, rhythmic-tapping guitar style, Newton has received much praise for recent live shows. Radio 1 DJ described him as ‘charm personified’ and the Guardian lauded one of last year’s performances as ‘ a shoo-in for sweetest gig of 2009’. Get your tickets:livenation.co.uk/manchesterWords: Christine Felton

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“nights to remember”.To see both of these pop chart toppers together on one night and in an epic venue is exceptional value for money, but tickets are expected to sell out fast, so get yours pronto from:www.men-arena.com

Newton Faulkner@ Apollo – March 15thWith a second album, ‘Rebuilt by Humans’, to promote, this year’s next big thing Newton Faulkner is on the road again, coming to Manchester Apollo on Monday 15th March. You may know Newton best for his faithful cover

Newton Faulkner

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Danish popstars Alphabeat have just supported Lady Gaga on tour and are hoping that 2010 is their year with the release of new album ‘The Beat Is....’. Large caught up with lead singer Anders for a quick chin-wag on the album and the internet phenomenon on You Tube of their song ‘Fascination’.

LM: Hi Anders, so for our readers that don’t know you, tell us about Alphabeat....Anders: “We’re five guys and one girl from Denmark. We got a record deal when we were around 18 years old in our home country and then we just took off around the world and things started getting really big for us about 2 years ago.”

LM: There’s a buzz on the internet at the minute after a group of students from Poland did a cover of your Fascination video – how did you find out about it?Anders: “It was my girlfriend actually that saw it and we were all just amazed! They must have put so much work into it but it’s a fantastic video!”

LM: You’ve carved out a bit of a niche sound for yourselves...who else on the music scene are you interested in?Anders: “It’s difficult to say really as there are six of us in the group so trying to sum up six people’s musical style is hard but our influences change all the time with each album. On the last album it was very much disco and the 80’s. For the new album it’s more early 90’s dance such as Snap, Black Box, even Britney Spears!

LM: Who are your two main musical influences?Anders: “I think I speak for the group when I say we all love Prince and Michael Jackson – they are the two we all have in common.”

LM: ‘The Beat Is.....’ is your new album out this month, what does 2010 hold for Alphabeat?Anders: “Hopefully lots of gigging and shows around the world. We did over 200 gigs in a year which is a huge number but we’ve always gigged a lot and we love doing it. We love playing in Manchester and have played at the Academy

and at Pride before, the crowd have always been great.”

LM: So are you excited to be supporting the wonder that is Lady Gaga?Anders: Of course! We are playing to over 10,000 people each night and it’s a great opportunity for us to play live. When we meet fans they often say that they didn’t really like us until they heard us live so we get the chance to really surprise people.”

The Beat Is....’ is out on 1st March.

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We all love a good belly laugh so here’s two rib-tickling nights out in March where you can laugh your socks off!

Lee MackLowry Theatre - 7th March BAFTA winner and star of BBC One comedy Not Going Out, Lee Mack is deservedly renowned for his skills as a comedian and is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone in his new tour Going Out.Already sold out in many venues, this promises to be one of Mack’s biggest and best tours as he makes his long awaited return to stand -up, and with his combination of well-honed gags and quick one-liners there will be something here to suit all audiences’ palettes.So if you are curious to see what has made Lee Mack such a popular fixture on television, take this opportunity to see him live and witness the genius away from the living room setting.www.thelowry.com

ComedysportzThe Comedy Store - 13th March If you enjoy a laugh but are light on cash, for a cheap and cheerful £6 you can enter the world of The

Comedy Store’s Comedysportz. Here The Comedy Store pits against each other two teams of the quickest and slickest talent who use nothing but the input and suggestions of the audience to create comedy gold before their very eyes.Unscripted and innovative, Comedysportz is great for the comedy purists and for and for the small cost of entry it is worth going for a drink and to see what the talent has to offer.www.thecomedystore.co.uk

Words: Kate Dutton, Pic Lee Mack

Words: Kate Dutton, Pic Lee Mack

Starts: 8pm Entry: £1 entry per person.Tel: 0161 228 7431 Hula Tiki Lounge 11 Stevenson Square Northern Quarter Manchester M1 1DB

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Los Vivancos is really something that has to be seen to be believed. It’s a dance group composed of seven brothers (they come from a family of 39!!). All of the brothers were educated in different cities around the world but always maintained a strong loyal commitment to their passion for flamenco. >From this commitment the brothers went on to study at the prestigious Barcelona Spanish Dance Conservatory.A three day limited run of the sensational Los Vivancos hot foots to The Lowry this month and with a catalogue of sell out performances from New York across Europe to China under their belts, this will be the must see show of the season. The show has taken the world by storm and it’s easy to see why. Audiences will be astounded after encountering

and evening of breathtaking passion, excitement and raw Latin sensuality fuelled with irresistible energy as the brothers take you through their eclectic styles of flamenco, classical ballet and powerful street break dance.All seven brothers are equally gifted with successful careers both individually and as part of Los Vivancos. Career highlights include; replacement for Joaquin Cortes, model shoots for D&G and Vogue, soloist at the Scottish ballet and an explosive appearance on Dancing with the Stars.Feel the Latin temperament with non-stop dance routines, drama, music and passion. The show is produced, directed and choreographed by all seven brothers and is without question, an evening to arouse every sense and a show like no other.

LOS VIVANCOS @ The Lowry

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Manchester will celebrate its fifteenth Irish festival with a two week extravaganza featuring two hundred events, staged at forty nine different venues throughout Greater Manchester. From intimate Irish music concerts in local venues to major concerts in the city venues and one of the biggest St Patrick’s Day Parades in the UK there is something for everyone to enjoy.  Opening weekend highlights include on the opening night on Friday 5 March, an Irish Blues Festival in Levenshulme and Irish Country star Stephen Smyth appearing at St Kent’s in Fallowfield.  The Saint Patrick’s weekend celebrations start on Thursday 11 March with the Magner’s sponsored Comedy Festival. 

Coronation Street’s new Irish star – Kieran Cunningham makes his debut on the famous cobbles on the same night and then appears at a special concert on Saturday 13 March at the Union in Levenshulme. The giant annual St Patrick’s festival parade takes place on Sunday 14 March in the city centre along with the Irish Festival market (12-14 March).  St Patrick’s Day itself is filled with events all over the city, which range from special all day traditional Irish music sessions to black tie dinners and special Irish club nights.There is so much going on across the whole of Manchester so be sure to log onto the website to get the lowdown on everything that’s happening!5- 21 March 2010 manchesteririshfestival.com

Manchester Irish Festival

Caimh Mcdonald The Henry Girls

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Manchester recently celebrated Chinese New Year with a spectacular celebration on 14th February in the city centre. Manchester is home to one of the largest Chinese communities in Europe and riding high on the back of this, Large went to review two city centre Chinese restaurants.The obvious choice was to head along to China Town where we inundated with options but we also looked a little further afield to a new eatery and found out what the Chinese restaurants of Manchester really have to offer.

Ocean Tr235ure at Manchester 235The Casino has housed great restaurants since it opened but with the demise of Numero comes the opening of Ocean Tre235ure. Readers may recognise this name with a sister restaurant open in Middleton, outside of the city centre.The newly opened restaurant comes with slick and eye catching branding – think Las Vegas meets Bruce Lee and friends dressed in suits and you have it.The restaurant’s head chef “Milky

Boy” is well known within the Chinese community and has over 30 years of experience in Chinese cuisine. The restaurant being situated in the casino means late night dining is available.The majority of the menu is traditionally Cantonese with a few specials mixed in to tantalise the taste buds. They also offer lots of options if you have dietary requirements including halal and gluten free foods.My guest and I tried out a few options on the menu and were suitably impressed. Expect the traditional favourites such as Spring rolls (£3.80) and BBQ spare ribs (£6.80) but recommendations for entrees are the Malaysian satay

Ocean Tr235ureManchester 235 CasinoGreat Northern2 Watson StreetM3 4LPLarge Rating 7/10

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chicken skewers (£5.80) which are really succulent with a delicious sauce. The Spring onion pancakes (£3.80) are really good - definitely a must try. Slightly unusual as not served in the traditional pancake style - more deep fried and encased in smooth, melt in the mouth pastry.If seafood is your thing then there is so much to get stuck into here including Baked Lobster tails with ginger and spring onion and Mussels in green peppers and blackbean Sauce (£9.00).We tried the Sizzling Fillet steak with green peppers and blackbean sauce (£13.80) which was really tasty and complete with huge chunks of tender steak. Secondly

we opted for the Chicken in spicy Szechuan sauce (£9.00) which was adequate but not at all spicy so was lacking a little flavour and could have done with a bit of a kick to it to make it a really great dish. Without the spicy sauce it tasted more ‘sweet and sour’ that it was supposed to. Both dished were served up accompanied with boiled rice (£2.50).In terms of service, Ocean Tr235ure couldn’t get any better due to its highly attentive and polite staff. In terms of food it was good; I’m just not sure it has a strong enough pull to tempt people away from the regular haunts in Chinatown, but worth a try and a great addition to Manchester 235.

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Yang SingLong standing Manchester restaurant Yang Sing has won many prestigious titles over its 33 year history for its outstanding food offering. Brothers Harry and Gerry Yeung have worked hard to position Yang Sing as a beacon of authenticity on the city centre restaurants map and the food certainly goes to show how this has been achieved.

I visited on a Tuesday lunch time and the restaurant was bustling with a real mixture of city centre shoppers and corporate customers with empty bellies. Yang Sing of late, could have been accused of not accommodating for more

budget conscious wallets but the recent introduction of their ‘Taster Menus’ works to overcome this (offer available at certain times).

On offer on this menu is 4 Dim Sum and a bowl of homemade soup and a middle course for £9.95 or 4 Dim Sum, a bowl of soup and a choice of main course and rice for £11.95.

We tried out a variety of Dim Sum including Deep fried lemon chicken and sweet corn samosas which were just like soup encased in delicious pastry. Char sui parcel’s which are baked roast pork in a sweet sauce served in glazed, puff

Yang Sing34 Princess StManchester. M1 4JYLarge Rating 8.5/10

pastry - again beautiful. The Paper wrapped prawns (£3.80) which my guest who loves this dish and tries it at nearly every Chinese restaurant she comes across described the dish as “the best i’ve ever tasted anywhere in the UK”, so pretty good then!

The Steamed emerald prawn and chive dumplings (above) are another must try. Don’t be put off by the green casing, they really are yummy. For lunch this would have been plenty enough however not

wanting to miss out on the main course selection we tried out Sizzling Steak in Cantonese sauce (£15.50) which was divine and we were reliably informed by our server that the dish is made with a secret ingredient which only head chef Harry Yeung knows!

In summary, Yang Sing has built up a formidable reputation in Manchester as a quality dining establishment however this doesn’t have to mean top dollar, it does cater to all budgets. The food, service and atmosphere are all excellent so if you want to Cantonese food at the top of its game then Yang Sing should be at the top of your list.

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We’ve noticed that these pages tend to be filled with women’s fashion so this month we’re bringing you the very best in what the fashion world has to offer the men of Manchester.

It’s well known that Manchester is a mecca for shoppers; from the high street shops in the Arndale Centre to the boutiques on King St, there really is something for everyone. One area of the city centre that isn’t as well known for shopping is the Northern Quarter – branching from Affleck’s Palace and down Oldham and Thomas St.

If you believe fashion should become part of your personality, then you should spend time getting to know this place, and the shops that create its diverse atmosphere.

Pop BoutiqueIf the Northern Quarter held its own Oscars, the first independent vintage boutique on Oldham St gong would go to Pop Boutique! The eclectic store sells retro 60’s, 70’s and 80’s finds as well as its own label and has been trading since 1983, first in Afflecks Palace

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then moving to its own premises in 1994. With all those years of experience, if vintage is your thing then Pop is unquestionably the place you need to be. Now, vintage can be daunting for some men so why not ease yourself in to the look with Pop’s own label, they offer some great jumpers and t-shirts at very affordable prices. When you’ve fallen in love with vintage you can move onto Pop’s huge range of plaid shirts and racing jackets and finish the look with some retro high-tops. Not only are the prices easy on the wallet, you will leave the shop with your eco-halo shining.

Thomas St Post Office

If vintage isn’t really your style and you have a little more to spend then forage a little further into the Northern Quarter and you’ll find Thomas St Post Office. The store is hard to miss with its fuchsia brick work. Once inside, imagine you’ve stepped from Manchester to Brooklyn, and the clothes wouldn’t be out of place either. The store re-opened in 2008 bringing brands from around the world to one location, well known brands Carhartt, Edwin, Fred Perry and New Balance sit alongside the lesser known Lomography, Something Else and Idiom.

If bumping into someone wearing the same jacket as you is your worst nightmare then a visit to Thomas St Post Office is a must as they pride themselves on sourcing brands that can’t be found on every street corner. The shop is as impressive as the clothes, the layout is brilliant. As their website says, Thomas St Post Office really is ‘a bastion of freedom in an all too conditioned world’.

Grace LangdownTurning back to the ladies now, Large came across Grace Langdown at the recent ‘Not Part of New Year’ event where she was exhibiting her jewellery and textiles. Grace has studied embroidery and textiles at university and her love for textiles stems from visiting her mum at work (she teaches fashion at Manchester Metropolitan University) and found delight in fumbling amongst the pins and scraps of fabric.She claims her work is about ‘joy’ and you’ll see positive proverbs illustrated in her work through print and appliqué. Grace’s influences come from sources as diverse as Baroque, Japanese wood cuts and Barbie and she’s always on the hunt for sustainable ways to work.Her website is currently under development but to find out more about Grace and to enquire about her work then email:gracelangdown@gmail.com

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Fashions ‘must have trends’ can change as quickly as the outfit rotation during a Lady Gaga concert. It’s inevitable that the minute you save up just enough for that ‘must have’ A/W jacket, the rails are swiftly filled with S/S collections and that treasured purchase becomes ‘so last season’. The whole process is enough to leave those of us less au fait with the ever changing fashion frenzy feeling a little dazed and confused.

Instead of spending money on fad trends, invest in staple pieces; pieces that can be re-worn and re-worked season after season. Jeans will forever be a key item; spring, summer, autumn or winter, they are as significant to our day to day wardrobe as the Rovers Return is to Corrie. But for men specifically, they have become essential wear.Whether you’re looking to add to an already vast collection or just want to try a new style, even in economically challenging times it’s handy to know there are many styles of jeans out there at affordable prices. For classic fits,

look no further than the top dogs of high street retail; River Island and Topman.River Island offer a fashion forward collection of jeans priced between £35 and £45. You’ll find many have the true signature River Island style, with lots of detail and embellishment, but there are also a number of plain washes for those who want to keep it simple.Topman’s vast selection is like a denim inspired wonderland with some great styles to choose from and the ‘£20- £25 Essential Jeans range’ definitely succeeds in offering value for money.If you’re a guy that likes jeans with a distinct edge then it’s worth

Staple pieces vs must have trends?

investing in a pair of Humor’s. They will set you back around £75, but for a trendy pair of quality jeans they’re a worthy investment, and still a fraction of the price of many premium denim brands. Recently featured in ‘Skins’, they come complete with the ‘oh so’ on-trend drop crotch and distinctive covered rivets, so you’ll only have to team them with a plain white tee to make a statement.So yes, bypassing the seasonal trends may be a struggle, but rest assured your wallet will be snug inside your new jeans; the jeans that will still be a key feature long after the fad trends have gone.Words by Natalie Shaw

With a faint wisp of spring chill in the air, resilient outdoor wear— so relied on over the harsh winter months— resumes a supporting role. The over coat, a sullen bystander, watches in the wings as lightweight jackets slip into the spotlight flanked by chunky knits. Peeping out from under their weight is a concoction of colourful tee’s, dainty delicates and casual cotton shirts.

This layered technique puts a fresh, new spin on a dated look. Sleek, sexy leather jackets are disguised under a body of plump woollen knits; a humble offering for a March afternoon, whilst boyish hoodies are restrained by tough denim shirts.

Contrast is the key; experimenting with textures and tones can unite thrifty threads with a palette of rich texture. Co-ordination is a simple no-no, as this look has the ability to successfully merge the pretentious with the wholesome.

Heavy autumnal colours make way for moody blue tones and soft creams; a modest indicator of the cool months ahead. A silhouette made up entirely of contrasting textures, creates a seemingly effortless yet striking ensemble.

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Manchester Street Style

Stars lend support to Trust offering help to Salford young people. Richard Howard was 16 when the tour bus carrying him through Austria careered off the road leaving six people dead and Richard with a shattered right arm.Richard (23), from Salford, feared his days as a promising swimmer were over.But with courage and gritty determination Richard was soon back in the pool.Today he excels as one of the country’s best up and coming disabled swimmers, representing Great Britain and with his sights on the 2012 Paralympic Games in. Richard is one of hundreds of

young Salford people who have been supported by Salford Foundation Trust, a grant-giving charity that helped him to buy essential swimming equipment.To date it has distributed over £65,000 to help more than 200 young people aged between five and 25 who live in Salford and who meet specific criteria.Applicants are given the opportunity to apply for funding to further develop skills, talents, hobbies or interests. This could be to purchase a piece of equipment, an activity or a training course.With support from the Federation of Small Businesses, the Trust also offers assistance to young entrepreneurs who already have or are thinking of starting their own business.The Tony Wilson Award - named after the late Salford-born broadcaster - who expressed his personal support for the Trust is a special grant to help young dancers, musicians and artists.Tony’s former colleague Peter Hook, of New Order and Hacienda fame has joined the growing list of celebrity patrons alongside Bolton-born actress Maxine Peake

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and the Paralympic swimmer turned cyclist Sarah Storey OBE.Chief Executive Peter Collins, who started the Trust in 2004 as a result of his social inclusion work in Salford schools and communities, said:“Through our grant-giving process and with the help of local businesses we are able to help some young people to achieve their aspirations and fulfil their potential.”Salford Foundation Trust is linked to the social inclusion organisation Salford Foundation which supports young people and adults to overcome barriers to life and learning through mentoring and other support mechanisms.To learn more please visit:salfordfoundationtrust.org.uk

Or contact Helen Fenton on: 0161 787 3834

Have you recently been diagnosed with HIV or are you currently living with HIV?

Then why not join Baseline and Large Outdoors for a retreat weekend in some of the best locations the UK has to offer.

Dates:March 12th - 14th, The Gower Peninsular

September 10th -12th,Snowdonia, North WalesNovember 19th - 21st, The Lake District

Details and to book:Call Gareth 0161 235 7272largeoutdoors.com/baseline.html

Forever Manchester is a new movement that captures the spirit of those that have an affinity with Manchester. It’s an initiative that will make communities safer and ultimately nicer places to live by supporting grassroots community projects across the Greater Manchester area, now and forever.

Visit Forever Manchester IslandA virtual oasis for Mancunians from around the world

Register as an official islander to receive exclusive discounts for some of the best bars, restaurants and retailers. Be the first to find out about Forever Manchester gigs, fashion shows, comedy nights and other events. Take a trip to forevermanchester.com

Manchesterhas a new oasis

FM_Large_ad_full_pg.qx:Layout 1 16/4/09 23:51 Page 1

The Big Issue in the North has cooked up a delicious new way of raising money for its charity, The Big Issue in the North Trust. For just a £2 donation to the Big Bake, people can donate their favourite cake recipe which will be baked by a qualified pastry chef. The Big Issue in the North magazine vendors will then take part in cake tasting sessions and vote for their favourite cake.Winners of the Big Bake will receive over £700 worth of fantastic baking prizes so don’t delay, if baking is your thing then get entering! The Big Bake competition closes on 20 March and winners will be announced on 31 March. The Big Bake is part of The Big 12 – The Big Issue in the North’s fundraising marathon for 2010, which sees a fundraising event being held every month this year.For more information about the Big Bake and how to get involved.Visit: bigissueinthenorth.com

Are you amasterbaker?

Sense have teamed up with Large Outdoors to bring you the chance to get away for the weekend in one of the most stunning parts of the Lake District.

We head to Coniston for “The Sense Old Man of Coniston Challenge”, where you will get the chance to meet new people and climb this fantastic fell. By taking part in this weekend you will also be helping to raise vital funds for Sense, the UK’s leading charity for deafblind people. The cost of this weekend includes accommodation, food, and activities but does not include personal drinks, snacks, travel or equipment. The total cost is £95 of which £45 goes directly to Sense.

To book please call Shad on 0121 415 2751. Numbers are strictly limited to 22.

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Large Outdoors is a new Outdoor Pursuits club open to both men and women alike. Over the coming months we will be heading off into some of the UK’s best National Parks.

Why not come along and join us?

For further details on any of our events either log onto www.largeoutdoors.com or call our office on 0161 235 7272

Spring Calendar 2010

May3rd, Three Shires Head Walk17th, Climbing Wall Night19th - 21st, Sense Charity Weekend to the Lake District21st, Disley Day Walk22nd, Airkix night, (must be booked by the 8th March)

23rd, First Aid Training25th, Large Outdoors Social 26th - 28th, Snowdonia Walking Weekend

April10th, Peak District Day Walk13th, First Aid Training16th -18th, Lake District Walking Weekend22nd, Climbing Wall Night25th, Day Walk30th, Discover Scuba Diving

May1st, First Aid Training2nd, Day Walk14-16th, Coastal Walking Weekend (Anglesey)20th, Climbing Wall Night22nd, Day Walk28th - 31st, Surfing Weekend Newquay

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Power Plate® uses the principles of Acceleration Training™ to stimulate the body’s natural response to vibration. These vibrations transmit waves of energy throughout the body, activating muscle contractions between 25 and 50 times per second meaning in a 15 minute session you get the benefits of doing a much longer work out.Celebrity fans include Jonathan Ross, Courtney Cox, Dannii Minogue and ‘the body’ Elle McPherson who all rave about the magic of the Power Plate®.With each vibration the body is forced to perform reflexive muscle actions, multiple times per second which results in an incredible improvement in force production, or strength and power. It also stimulates metabolism which can contribute to weight loss.If you want to buy one for your home then you’re talking a couple of thousand pounds (although a great investment) but many gyms in Manchester come equipped with them. They are often restricted to being for gym members only but you can buy a

day pass to most gyms for around £10 and try them out before investing in a course.The notion of standing, sitting or lying on something that does the exercise for you is every dieter’s dream but to have more of a chance of losing weight and keeping in shape then don’t over-rely on the vibrating plate. A brisk walk or jog coupled with regular power plate sessions will help you keep trim!

Manchester gyms Bannatyne’s, Virgin Active, GL 14 and David Lloyd all have Power Plate® if you want to try it out.

Fitness revolution for the time-poor

Sport ReliefAre you Mile ready? Well you should be because Sport Relief is back for 2010! There are hundreds of events taking place across the UK on Sunday 21st March and Manchester’s mile starts from Spinningfields in the city centre. In a special twist, Manchester milers will be going past the Rover’s Return, Dev’s Corner Shop, The Factory and Ken and Deirdre’s front door. Yes, that’s right; the Manchester mile course will be taking in the cobbles of Coronation Street!

You can do 1, 3 or 6 miles depending on your fitness level and all the money raised by the public is spent by Comic Reliefto help transform the lives of poor and vulnerable people, both at home and across the world’s poorest countries.

It’s only £5 to enter so go on, be a part of it…

Rise to the challenge for Sport Relief

Your Mum spent half her adult life worrying about helping you grow up big and strong. Do her proud and check out our top 10 ‘Superfoods’ that are going to keep you that way...

1. Coconut Fat: An awesome fat, it’s highly anti-viral and anti-fungal, fantastic for weight loss and a great source of usable energy.

2. Avocado: High in great fats, anti-oxidants and fibre.

3. Spinach: It’s not only Popeye that loves spinach! It delivers vitamin K (good for your bones), C and A, folic acid, quercetin (which calms inflammation) and calcium.

4. Blueberries: A low GI anti-oxidant powerhouse with anti-inflammatory properties

5. Almonds: Gives you protein, great fats, fibre, calcium, magnesium and vitamin E

6. Free Range Eggs: Great source of protein, omega 3’s, vitamin B12 and choline – which is essential for cardio-vascular and brain function

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For more details on Friction Training and any personal training enquiries, please contact Matt on 07971 192357 or email;matt@3dpts.com or www.3dpersonaltraining.co.uk

7. Broccoli: Jam-packed full of anti-oxidants and detoxifying enzymes, fibre, and cancer fighting properties

8. Quinoa: A gluten free grain high in protein, calcium, magnesium, iron and fibre

9. Kefir: Cultured milk drink that’s rich in enzymes, healthy micro-organisms, complete protein, B vitamins and minerals, aiding digestion and absorption

10. Wild or Game Meat: protein, vitamin B, iron and zinc powerhouse

Runners up: olives, sauerkraut, barley grass, sea vegetables, flax seeds, sprouted beans

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People tend to forget about signs. But signs are the links betweena building and its visitors, communicating everything from names,

prices and corporate identities to directions, instructions and warnings.

We know the importance of good signage because we've been supplying itfor over 20 years. We know that design is only as good as performance and

that the choice of materials is dependent upon budget and usage, not just now,but in the future. It's an abundance of knowledge applied across an entire

signage service that starts with a brief at a meeting and includes site surveys,design, artwork, manufacture, installation and maintenance.

A sign company that does more than just supply signs?That's a company people shouldn't forget.

SHOP FRONTS-BARSRESTAURANTS-OFFICES

BANNERS-EXHIBITIONDISPLAY-VEHICLE WRAPSinfo@farina-signs.co.ukwww.farina-signs.co.uk

A Manchester based nationwide company.

JO Marshall, City Centre Neighbourhood Inspector answers your questions on keeping safe in the city centre.

1) I was out at the weekend in the Northern Quarter and was accosted by 2 different people begging. There were police about but they just seemed to overlook the situation? Can you tell me why they didn’t move the people on? Jayne Simpson, Ancoats

Hi Jayne,If I can take this opportunity to reassure you tackling the issue of begging is a key priority for my officers. Together with Manchester City Councils homeless unit we identify vulnerable people and provide support and assistance, anyone who fails or refuses to access support and continues to engage in begging will be arrested. I would urge people not to give to beggars on the street, but to give to a recognised charity instead. Without more detail it’s difficult to know why the officers didn’t intervene as you describe, but if you can provide me with some more information I will gladly look into this, as I would have expected the officers to take action if they were aware of the issue.

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2) The communal area of my apartment block seems to be a resting place for a guy that’s homeless. Obviously I feel sorry for him but I’m getting sick of it now and I know the other neighbours are too. What can the police do on this matter? Paul Anderton, City Centre

Hi Paul,Dependant on the male’s circumstances there is potentially support available to get him into accommodation to prevent him from using the communal area of your apartment block as a shelter. If you can contact the team with full details of your apartments and how the male is getting access and when, we will look at options to deal with the issue you describe. Rough sleeping is an offence under the Vagrancy Act and if someone fails or refuses to access accommodation, we can look at enforcing this legislation, however we will always look at support options before resorting to intervention.

Jo Marshall

Jo Marshall 25% off

First Aid Training

Course Covers: Basic CPR

Shock ManagementStrokes

Heart AttackSerious Bleeding

AED (Automatic Electronic Defibrilator)

Cost Includes:Manuals, Instruction, Certification

& Buffet Lunch

Large Outdoors are able to offer discounted first aid training for all readers.

Current Course Dates:Tuesday 23rd MarchTuesday 13th April Saturday 1st May

Do you have a first Aid training requirement?

We can run exclusive dates for groups of 8-10

You pay reduced price of £75 Full course price £100

To book call Gareth on 0161 235 7272 www.largeoutdoors.com

Training takes place in Chorlton and is run in assocation with Orca Divers. Certification provided by Emergency First Response.

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I’m the epitome of “You can take the girl out of Manchester...” My life is full of laughing, Vimto, cups of tea and football. When I dance I love to shake my hips like a bag of chips and, if you’re buying, it’s lager and black for me please!

When it’s the end of the month, and all you have to your name is 30 quid, a box of eggs and some instant custard powder you have to re-assess what you’re going to do for fun. Fantastically, when you’re in this position, there’s a place called Varsity that, on a Thursday night, transforms itself into a ‘Poundland’ for us adults only!

I’ve been going to this place for quite a few years now and I have to say I’m always surprised at how busy the place gets. It’s quite a weird mix of people but I relish that, as people-watching is one of my great loves.

The music is just chart stuff but after a few drinks are you going to care?! With 24 hour ‘Mackies’ only a couple of minutes away you can even finish the night with a double cheeseburger and I bet you still won’t have spent much more than a tenner! Happy days!

On a final note, even if you hadn’t guessed by my ‘affectionate’ nickname, I’m half-Chinese and would like to wish you all a ‘Kung Hei Fat Choy!’. Hope you all got a good rub of that dragon for luck and weren’t too deafened by the firecrackers if you went down to watch the celebrations!

Toodles, Loves Wonton x

large.Join our community...

Sign up to our online community to gain access to exclusive events and offers or join us on Facebook search “Large Manchester”.

www.LargeSocials.comwww.LargeOutdoors.comwww.LargeManchester.comwww.Largestudents.com

ORCA DIVERS557 Barlow Moor Road

ChorltonManchester

0161 718 3118www.orcadivers.com

large.Manchester

HAVE YOU GOT A GREAT BUSINESS YOU WANT TO SHOUT ABOUT?

Promote your business to Manchester City Centre call Gareth on 0161 235 7270

SHOUT

ABOUT

IT!!

join us for selected drink offers at the bar Monday - Friday 3pm - 6pm

Cocktails - £3.50 • Bottles of Wine - £7.50 • Draft Beers - £2.25

manchester • exchange square • 0161 831 6700 • hardrock.com

message in a bottle

UNT397MA10_MessageInABottle_ad_111x154.indd 1 2/18/10 3:16:08 PM